A fatal car crash on Highway 34  near Bethlehem Road in Winn Parish claimed the life of an Atlanta man Thursday, Dec. 31.

According to a Louisiana State Police news release, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 34 near Bethlehem Road. This crash killed 29-year-old Rodney Sapp of Atlanta.

The initial investigation revealed a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Sapp, was traveling eastbound on Louisiana Highway 34. For reasons still under investigation, Sapp’s vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck a tree.

Sapp, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself during a vehicle crash. Failure to take a few seconds to buckle up can have devastating consequences. Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night.

In 2020, Troop E has investigated 51 fatal crashes resulting in 59 deaths.